Real Madrid held on for a gritty 1-0 win over Alavés on Sunday despite Kylian Mbappé being sent off in the first half for a reckless challenge, keeping them within four points of league leaders Barcelona.
Eduardo Camavinga’s superb curling strike in the 34th minute proved decisive at the Mendizorroza Stadium, as Madrid matched Barcelona’s narrow win over Leganés the day before.
However, the victory was overshadowed by Mbappé’s dismissal just four minutes after the goal. The French forward was shown a straight red card for a rash lunge on Antonio Blanco, leaving his side with ten men for nearly an hour.
Speaking after the match, assistant coach Davide Ancelotti, who deputised for his suspended father, Carlo, admitted Mbappé’s red card was deserved.
Credit: ANDER GILLENEA / AFP
“He’s not a violent player—he apologised immediately and recognised the mistake,” said Ancelotti. “He had been fouled a few times before and lost his composure, but there’s no excuse. It was a clear red, and he paid the price.”
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Real Madrid stayed resolute. Alavés also went down to ten men in the second half when Manu Sánchez cynically fouled Vinícius Júnior as the Brazilian sprinted through on goal.
Vinícius and Jude Bellingham had started on the bench, likely rested with one eye on Wednesday’s Champions League clash with Arsenal. The pair were introduced in the second half to help shore things up as Alavés pressed for an equaliser.
Madrid could have extended their lead late on, with Fede Valverde’s powerful long-range effort narrowly missing the top corner, while Dani Ceballos made a brief return from injury.
The clean sheet was a much-needed boost after a leaky run of form that saw Los Blancos concede 11 goals in their previous four matches, including a bruising 3-0 defeat to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-final first leg.
Ceballos praised the team’s unity after a challenging evening. “Together we are stronger,” he said. “Thanks to the fans—we need your support more than ever.”
Alavés remain just a point clear of the relegation zone in 17th place, with the result further compounding their struggles at the foot of the table.
